Laura returns to find Pearl, alone in the apartment. Jack has taken Harry to the hospital, ill with typhoid. Laura feels guilty over ignoring her son in favor of her studies. She sends for Amelia who “knows typhoid well” (239), and soon, Amelia is in the ward, examining Harry. She predicts a full recovery. While Harry recuperates, Laura meets with his principal to advise the other students to get vaccinated. The principal, however, informs Laura that Harry hasn’t been in school for two months. She questions one of Harry’s friends and finds out he’s been ditching school with a group of older boys. She goes downtown and finds the leader of the older boys—Red Paddy—but he claims to not know Harry. The boy’s disrespect and antisocial behavior make Laura wonder why Harry would seek his company. She resolves to spend more time with her family, to set things right.

Sadie, temporarily banished from the library, works from home preparing for the exhibit. She is desperate to get back, to have another look at the cage and figure out how the thief is gaining access. The following Monday, she meets with Dr. Hooper and Nick. Sadie tries to explain what happened, but as only one of two people with a key to the cage (Hooper is the other), he sees her as the likely suspect.